Greater New Orleans

Three 'wisemen' bring a gift to Vikings and Saints

The Associated PressMinnnesota Vikings quaterback Brett Favre makes a touchdown signal as he returns to the practice field for the first time during NFL football training camp, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010 in Eden Prairie, Minn. After staying away from training camp, Favre was practicing less than 24 hours after the team sent three of his closest friends to Mississippi to bring him back following another summer of indecision.

The Minnesota Vikings glanced at the stats and feared without Brett Favre they were destined for a fight where they would lose their football lives. The stats from last year were dancing in their heads. Here is a look at the Vikings and how they improved with Brett Favre in the lineup:

- The Vikings jumped from No. 17 in the NFL in yards per game to No. 5.

- 18th to 3rd in first downs.

- Improved by 6.4 more points per game.

- 43.2% to 62.3% success rate with touchdowns scored in the red zone.

- 88.4 to 112.0 red zone passer rating.

Vikings head coach Brad Childress would probably recite those numbers to himself each night before he tucked himself to sleep ... if he could sleep at all. He knew he had to do something. Childress summoned his version of the three "wisemen" and told them to follow that Favre in the sky. They did as they were told.

I'm thinking one of the three had to have said: "Come on Brett who ya kiddin'? That's a lot of money you're leaving on the table. Plus have you heard what Gerald Celente* said about the shortage of money that's going to swallow the country?"

Vikings fans are now jumping with joy as their three "wisemen" delivered an early Christmas gift to them. Favre is the miracle they wanted back.

New Orleans Saints fans on the other hand are simply grinning that sheepish grin. Favre just added some extra fun to their Sept. 9 party.

... It's the kind of grin somebody displays just before they play the "I'm crazy card."

Saints fans crazy in love with the idea of making Favre look Snooky Stupid.

* Gerald Celente studies and predicts economic trends. He is not wrong very often.

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Gerry V has been a sports commentator for 21 years.

Talk Sports with The V-Man after the NFL Games Sept. 12, 7-9 p.m. on 106.7 FM.